Is Horseshoe Bend, ID Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.6/100
waterverge.com Horseshoe Bend, ID — Water Quality Report
Horseshoe Bend's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 801 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 184 violations on record, including 77 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Horseshoe Bend's water
Horseshoe Bend ranks #82 out of 139 cities in Idaho for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Horseshoe Bend may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Horseshoe Bend, ID water safe to drink?
Horseshoe Bend's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 801 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Horseshoe Bend
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Horseshoe Bend's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.6/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Bromate, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Bromate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3244). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-186). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Horseshoe Bend's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Horseshoe Bend's water system has 184 total violations on record, including 77 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boise County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Payette River Nr Horseshoe Bend.
Where does Horseshoe Bend's water come from?
Horseshoe Bend's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 801 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Payette River Nr Horseshoe Bend (river).
What Horseshoe Bend residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Horseshoe Bend's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBoise County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Boise County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1964. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Horseshoe Bend compares by contaminant
Explore where Horseshoe Bend ranks among all Idaho cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Horseshoe Bend's water comes from
Horseshoe Bend's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 801 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Horseshoe Bend
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORSESHOE BEND WATER SUPPLY | ID4080024 | 750 | SW |
| HORSESHU VUE RANCH SUBD | ID4080095 | 51 | GW |
How Horseshoe Bend compares
Full Idaho rankings →Horseshoe Bend's score of 57.6/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major Idaho cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Idaho rankings →About Horseshoe Bend, ID
Wikipedia →Horseshoe Bend is the largest city in rural Boise County, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Idaho. Its population of 715 at the 2020 census was the largest in the county.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Horseshoe Bend's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boise
Frequently asked questions
Is Horseshoe Bend, ID tap water safe to drink?
Horseshoe Bend's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #82 out of 139 cities tested in Idaho.
What contaminants are in Horseshoe Bend's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 184 violations are on record.
How is Horseshoe Bend's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Horseshoe Bend?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Horseshoe Bend's water come from?
Horseshoe Bend's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 801 residents.
What health violations has Horseshoe Bend's water system had?
Horseshoe Bend has 77 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Horseshoe Bend's water compare to other cities?
Horseshoe Bend ranks #82 out of 139 cities in Idaho (better than 41% of state cities) and #12358 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.